Page 6 of The Red-Hot Stakes

The ride home wasn’t what I was truly worried about—it was the shot they were going to numb me up with. I hated needles. Would even pass out at the sight of them sometimes.

The thought of facing one alone just wasn’t an option.

“Liam, when we get there, will you…go back with me?” I hated even asking, hated that I had to be dependent on anyone. Especially him.

He frowned, glancing my way. “What’s this all about?”

I was quiet for a long moment, staring at my lap. “I’m afraid of needles.” I waited for him to jump right into teasing me, but he didn’t.

Instead, he shrugged. “No big deal. We’re all afraid of something.” He paused. “Hey, I got something for ya.” He reached into his coat pocket, then tossed a small package on my lap.

It was hard to make it out in the fleeting glimpses of the street lamps.

“It’s a bag of Red Hots.”

My favorite candy. I waited, trying to understand.

“Now don’t read too much into it. I stopped at the gas station today and candy was two for one. I was going to leave those as part of your tip.”

The tension in my chest relaxed as I ripped the bag with my teeth, then dumped a couple candies into my mouth. The cinnamon flavor exploded on my tongue, the familiar burning sensation calming me.

“Eating fire for fun.” He shook his head.

“They’re good! I love spicy stuff.”

“I don’t mind some kick to my food, but spicy candy? That’s just ridiculous.” He wheeled into the hospital parking lot, then turned to face me. “And of course I’ll come back with you. I’ll even let you hold my hand if you need it.” His lips tilted in a sincere smile. “That’s what friends do.”

* * * *

“Put this on, dearie. The doctor will be in shortly, and we’ll get you all taken care of.” The nurse’s kind manner eased some of my anxiety as she handed me the dressing gown.

I stared at it, wondering how I was supposed to manage.

“I can, um, help. If you need,” Liam offered with an embarrassed shrug. When I firmly shook my head, relief dropped his shoulders. “Then I’ll just…” And he disappeared behind the curtains.

Alone in the makeshift room of the ER, I slid my good arm out of my T-shirt, flinching as bits of glass tinkled to the floor. I winced as I tugged my other sleeve over my temporary bandage, then I hurried to slide off my bra and slip on the cold hospital gown. Which I couldn’t tie. I set my clothes in one of the chairs, making sure my bra was fully covered.

I didn’t embarrass easily, but this was pushing even my limits. I struggled to keep my tone matter of fact as I called, “Liam?”

He poked his head in.

My bare back to him, I gestured to the strings which I tried to hold closed. “Could you…?” My cheeks warmed as I watched him over my shoulder.

A tight expression crossed his face, quickly replaced by an easy grin. “Of course.”

I held my breath while he tied the strings, my body completely rigid. Thankfully, he had me secure in no time.

Then the doctor came in, peppering me with questions about the accident as he eased back the bloody towels covering my wound. “Yep, you’ll definitely need stitches. Let’s get you fixed up.”

The nurse came back to disinfect the area with sharp-smelling iodine that dyed my skin a dark orange. A long syringe rested on a tray nearby.

“Excuse me, miss?” Liam got the nurse’s attention. “My friend here isn’t a big fan of needles.”

“Oh, I see. Well, we’ll just keep that out of sight until it’s time.” She gave me a sweet as sugar smile, sliding a cloth over the syringe.

I sagged against the propped-up hospital bed, relief pulsing through me as I told Liam a quiet thank you. When the doctor returned, the nurse pulled him aside, and I knew she was telling him about my fear. My stomach clenched, but Liam distracted me by grabbing my good hand, cupping my fingers in his, and wiggling his thumb back and forth.

“One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war.” He waited until I automatically stiffened my thumb so it was out of reach, then he said quietly, “Thatta girl.”

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